Monday, December 3, 2012

November Favourites

I've been loving a good number of products this month, some being things I've had for a while but never fully appreciated, others being entirely new to me but quickly adored. Notably, I've discovered a primer + foundation + powder combination that seems to actually work. I've also come across a new eyeshadow favourite that (shock, horror) isn't a taupe or bronze. See, I can like things beyond my comfort zone.




l-r: Benefit Busy Signal, Laura Mercier African Violet & Rich Cocoa, Stila Bronzing Powder, Bourjois Powder

Laura Mercier eyeshadows in African Violet and Rich Cocoa (from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek palette)
So impressed with the quality of these two shadows. African Violet is the most wearable and special purple I've come across, it's soft and shimmery but never overdone. I love how it flashes a different colour depending on the light. Sometimes, it appears almost like a pinkish taupe with fine gold running through it. It's such a versatile shade that can be worn day and night. It blends beautifully with Rich Cocoa, a super pigmented blackish brown matte that doubles as a soft eyeliner. I don't care for mattes usually, but Rich Cocoa has proven to be the exception.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Busy Signal
Already raved about here, but this is the product most likely to be elevated from a monthly favourite to HG status. I haven't worn much else on my lower lashline for almost two months. Perfect colour, super creamy and buttery soft in texture, strong pigmentation, and long lasting.

Stila Sun SPF 15 Bronzing Powder in Shade 01
I wore this quite a bit this month, and I've ended up liking it much more than I initially expected. Everything about it is just easy. It's soft and not too pigmented, it blends effortlessly onto the skin, and it adds warmth and a little bit of definition to the face. Even though it's orange-leaning, the colour works well for my skin tone and applied lightly, it gives a natural, summery pep to the complexion. Full review here.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer
I bought this earlier in the year and have never been particularly enthused with it. I tried it multiple times with previous foundations and never thought it did anything special. But somehow, I've discovered it works wonders with NARS Sheer Glow. I have no idea why, but I've noticed a significant difference to how long my foundation lasts when I apply this beforehand. I like that it's not greasy, it's readily absorbed, feels weightless and helps to prep and prime the skin so foundation applies more smoothly and stays on.

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji
I've been reaching for Sheer Glow much more than my Make Up For Ever HD foundation, or anything else. Although it can cake ever so slightly around my nose, overall, I'd have to say this is the best foundation I've tried. I love the softly illuminating finish it gives, the medium coverage, the way it melds into the skin and perfects it while still looking natural. It also photographs beautifully. Fiji is a really good match for me, and the wear time is impressive, especially with primer and powder. Full review here.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume
I take back what I said about the wand being too fat and it being difficult to get to the base of the lashes. It's no Benefit They're Real, but I've really enjoyed using it this month. It could probably do better in the lengthening and curling department, but I love that smudging on my lower lashes is kept to a minimum, and how it magically coats every single one of my lower lashes better than any other mascara I've tried.

Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in 52 Vanille
I'm glad that I bought this powder as part of the recent Bourjois gift with purchase promotion at Priceline, because I can't imagine using anything else now. It's very finely milled and so soft in texture. After Face of Australia Face Base and NARS Sheer Glow, I pat this on with my Real Techniques powder brush around my T-zone. It helps to set my foundation, keep greasiness at bay and prolong foundation wear time. It also works brilliantly for touch ups to perfect the skin, whether to add a bit more coverage or tone down any shininess.

63 comments:

  1. Wow, the NARS foundation sounds lovely. I love dewy finishes. I must read your full review :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey!

    I'm a huge fan of your blog! It would mean tons if you'd follow mine, which I'm just starting up. Here's my November favourites! Thanks a ton! I'd love to try that cream shadow sometime!

    http://www.myface-mycanvas.blogspot.sg/2012/11/november-favourites.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just can't stop staring at that Laura Mercier palette lol, xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You've got me excited about the Nars foundation!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Laura Mercier palette is so beautiful xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Laura Mercier palette looks awesome. I have the same Benefit cream shadow and i love it too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sadly I am not a fan of the Covergirl mascara, it just didn't work wonders for me!
    OOhh I like the Benefit eyeshadow, such a beautiful crease color for a smokey brown eye:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow... i am loving NARS and Laura Mercier eyeshadows snatched my heart :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. lol. i guess african violet has that kind of effect on people. ;)
    i think i still want the single in this color. (you need to stop showing this to me....)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really like those colors in the laura mercier palette. They look right up my alley (neutral everyday colors ;]). I've heard great things about that foundation. Glad to hear it's working quite well for you! I think foundation or any base makeup is very important for anyone.

    Joyce @ carouselstreet.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pretty favourites. Seriously lemming for Busy Signal.
    S xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. I used to love the Covergirl mascara so much but I just want to move on to something new! Once I tried out a few more, I discovered that it wasn't so special :P I haven't heard much about the Bourjois powder so it's great that it's receiving some love from you! xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely favourites. You're making me want the Sheer Glow and LM palette so so much though! I think I may try the Bourjois powder when mine runs out :)

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looove the look of the laura Mercier palette! Gorgeous photos by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, that purple shadow is nothing short of gorgeous! Iridescent and pretty! i have to try the Borjois powder. I love their foundations, so naturally their line of powders should be good! :) Great reviews!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for your lovely comment sweety!
    I love all those stuff in this post, you're so lucky to own them :)
    I was wondering if you could also follow me back :)
    toothfairygardy.blogspot.gr
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ooo I want that palette! Great colors! :) I LOVE your favorites this month.. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I knew the Laura Mercier palette and Busy Signal would be in your favorites. Glad you're enjoying these products! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great collections! I really love the Benefit Cream Shadows but they are so expensive! I have been using Maybelline Color Tattoos instead which as really good as well!

    ReplyDelete
  20. The moment I read your post about the Laura Mercier palette I knew it was going to become an instant favourite, despite the downs of it ^^ hehe
    Bourjois seems to have many products I would enjoy and my skin would agree to but for now it's out of reach. People get scandalized when I tell them that I wear a USD 1.99 face powder (that's dirt cheap even here where I live) but I rather save on powder (I go through them like it's nobody's business) and spend more on skincare and foundation, which in my opinion are of great importance, so even though I can't afford Nars, I totally understand the splurge because it's worth it.
    I really wished you went a bit more out of your comfort zone and explored more colours, maybe incorporate them just on the inner corners at first, I'm pretty sure you would be comfortable enough with that and thus start your path to become a bit more daring with your makeup ^^
    As always, I loved reading about your monthly favourites, it's such a pleasure to go through a post so well written : )
    Have a great week Lena! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I hope you have a lovely week as well Lau! I don't know if I'm going to experiment more with colour, but now that summer is here, I might try something a little different :p If ever I need any inspiration, I know I have your blog as a fantastic resource :)

      Delete
  21. Just followed, you have a fantastic blog absolutely inlove with your photography! Thankyou for leaving a comment
    Hope you can follow me back
    kisses,
    Arwasblogpage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great favourites, I am sure I have said before but that Laura Mercier palette is just perfection. x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great products! I'd love to try that foundation now that you say it works good with primer and powder.. to be honest I've always been the kind of girl who goes for matte finish foundations but I found out now that semi-matte fojundation are not bad for oily skin and also heard great things about this product.
    I love that benefit cream eyeshadow too!

    xx
    http://holaflo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Those Laura Mercier eyeshadows look so lovely! I always hear so much about African Violet, and now I see why!

    xx Louise
    A Little Beauty Luxury

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice favourites :)
    I'm really interested to try the FOA primer but not sure if there's any point because another primer I tried didn't do anything for me.
    I swear you always have awesome swatches :)
    That purple one looks really pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I picked up the NARS foundation in the matte finish, it's amazing! I also got Fiji as well and the lack of pump is annoying!

    gl0ssi.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  27. Funny that, I've been using the FOA primer recently and it's really proven itself! The Laura Mercier shadows are gorgeous! Hehe so proud of you stepping out of the brown/taupe zone! I'm glad you're warming up to mattes- I love them and I think palettes should have more mattes. The bronzer is undeniably orange, but I'm glad that it works for you. Because then maybe orange bronzers might work for me too. :p Oooh sooo tempted to get the Bourjois powder on ASOS now! I've got the bronzer in 12, Liner Feutre and that powder in my Saved Items waiting for a day that I can brave the online shopping bug and bear with the wait of the delivery. Also, I'm a little devo that the best foundation you've used costs something like $60. :P xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heh, the bronzer swatch was very intense, I'd never apply that much to my face :p I really like it, I find myself reaching for it more than Benefit Hoola (quite cool/brown), NYX Taupe (a little more grey and darker, I basically never use) or the Bourjois bronzer (too brown and dark). Liner Feutre is my love hehe :) Sheer Glow is really expensive, I'm sure you can find cheaper substitutes. I just haven't found them yet :p

      Delete
  28. Oh no!!! now I want the NARS Foundation, Benefit eye shadow and Laura mercier palette! you make me want to try them all T__T
    African Violet from the Laura Mercier Palette looks gorgeous and wearable! great picks!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have had my eye on the Laura Mercier palette for a while but never picked it up. It looks stunning in the photos you took.

    <3 xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. ooh all of those shadows look so beautiful! xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yep, I'm pretty much in love with your favourites! I couldn't agree more with the Australis Face Base Primer and the NARS foundation. I really want to get my hands on the Laura Mercier Palette now!! x

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm still thinking that the Laura Mercier's palette is maybe the most beautiful that I've ever seen :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Awesome favoritess! I love the Covergirl LashBlast volume, I have that myself!

    chochalistas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm dying to try Laura Mercier eyeshadows!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Haha, nice to hear you're using things you're not so used to! I need to do the same as I won't be getting the chance to wear make up when I start school! I like african violette I'd put that on the center of my lid! I'm curious about that bourjois powder too, Ive been really wanting to try different pressed powders since its something I go through in large volumes for setting my face with!

    ReplyDelete
  36. LOVE LOVE LOVE Stilla, I can't find it in Canada anymore!

    WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

    ReplyDelete
  37. i enjoyed reading ur blog...its informative and awesome!! followed u on gfc..
    Hope u can follow me back..

    xoxo,
    gabrielletaduran.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Definitely going to look into the Benefit Eyeshadow! I haven't worn eyeshadow for years but am verrrryyy keen to start again. I think I'm going to like it, since you say it's creamy and soft! Perfect for my dry skin!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I always enjoy reading your favourites post so much. I have that same Laura Mercier palette too. African Violet is really a very gorgeous shade!! I think I need to get my hands on the Nars Sheer Glow foundation.

    Liz
    chewylove.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. The Bourjois Healthy Balance powder caught my attention a little, but now you have popped it in your favourites of the month I think I might have a look at it a little better! Benefit Busy Signal looks gorgeous too. I've also wanted to buy a primer and have read a few reviews here and there about the FOA but I'm still not sure whether I will try it or not! Thanks for sharing again :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi, yours new follower. www.beautifullflavya.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. awesome products! i've always wonder about Covergirl products, i've never tried it before but maybe I should since you like their mascara. it sounds amazing :) and the Stila bronzing powder is just soo beautiful! i need to get my hands on it.xo

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like the sound of the face combo :) I have that primer and I do enjoy it. I really want to try Nars sheer glow at some point too!
    x

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love reading your product reviews very much! I'll need to have a look at that powder. x

    ReplyDelete
  45. The covergirl mascara is something I fall back on, it's a great backup.

    ReplyDelete
  46. That laura mercier palette is so beautiful! The color selection inside seems perfect for everyday wear! Nice favorites!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would love to try this foundation but NARS products aren't available here:(

    ReplyDelete
  48. These are all great products! I actually managed to get a sample of Nars sheer glow and I tried it for the first time today - so far so good! I think I might have to pick up a full-sized bottle now! Also - Cover girl mascaras are some of my favourite on the high street - I love the wand!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  49. Nice selection! I'm totally a fan of the Benefit Cream Shadows. Busy Signal is my favorite color! :-)

    ~ Yun

    ReplyDelete
  50. great picks!! the LM palette is really super gorgeous ^_~

    ReplyDelete
  51. ooh I have the Bourjois foundation in the same shade (52) which is perfect for me, so maybe I'll try the powder out. I'm still looking for a new foundation though so if we match with Bourjois do you think we'd match with your NARS foundation? looks a bit yellow-y to me in the photos but maybe it's just the lighting. Also had a look at the Mecca website you linked in the review post and the Fiji colour on the screen just looks so wrong lol...

    don't have the luxury of jetting off to the US anytime soon so $68 is not too bad lol. oh I think maybe I should try it out instore, I think there's a Mecca counter somewhere in the city!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use the powder in #52 but the equivalent Healthy Mix Serum foundation I'm somewhere in between #52 and #53. Maybe Deauville or Gobi would be a better match for you in NARS Sheer Glow? :)

      Delete
    2. yes Gobi sounds promising, being for "asian skin light". thanks for replying, I'll check it out when I'm in the city next time! :)

      Delete
  52. I have been eyeing that Laura Mercier palette! Btw I've been reading your posts. I've just been super busy! Your last one makes me want Doceur too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great favourites! I also love the FOA primer it is my HG & I don't think I could live without it! & I used to love CG Lash Blast but I haven't used it in forever because I've been trying out others! (however I prefer Fusion- the purple one).
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  54. i just found your blog today and might i say you have such a lovely blog! i've been wanting to try the covergirl lash blash and now i think that might be one of the next mascaras i'll get.

    http://ahemitsemme.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I decided to reply to comment on my blog on here so you can actually see it. :) this blog(http://allaboutjyl.blogspot.com/2011/01/mario-badescu-acne-skincare-review.html) also did a review on the md drying lotion and i asked her about how fast it works for her and she replied 4-5 days. i think for me it's just because i'm not a patient person and i prefer things that show instant results (like 1-2 days) i would still recommend giving it a try though:)

      Delete
  55. I've heard a lot of love for LashBlasts, Nars SheerGlow and definitely Benefit's Creaseless Cream shadows. Certainly extremely intrigued now :D but i think I've hopped on the respective bandwagons; I shall have to pick up some of these just to try! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Love my NARS sheer glow and CG lash blast as well! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. So glad you've been loving your LM palette, my lemming was a good thing :) I wear African Violet with black plum all the time, but haven't tried it with Rich Cocoa yet so that is on my to-do list. I have been looking at that Bourjois powder for so long, when I finish my Maybelline Dream Matte I am totally giving it a go. I also have They're Real waiting in the wings, think now that it is the festive season I might have to try it out!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...